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SEPTEMBER 2025
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Courtesy Is Contagious Small Gestures Make a Big Impact
But more importantly, to do it with empathy and understanding. That means making people feel seen, heard, and respected. And often, that all begins with a friendly tone or a smile over the phone. When clients reach out, they’re usually dealing with a problem or seeking a solution. Whether we can directly help or not, how we respond shapes their entire experience. A kind response can ease someone’s stress, while a cold brush-off can make a tough day even worse. Holding the door. Saying, “Good morning.” Offering to help even when it’s not required. These simple, often overlooked actions are the very heartbeat of courtesy. And the truth is that we’re all guilty of getting wrapped up in our own busy lives. It’s easy to forget the impact a kind gesture can have. But those are the exact moments when someone else might need a little grace the most. You never know what someone else is dealing with, whether it’s a frustrating day or a life-changing event. That’s why I try to be kind to everyone, even when I’m in a rush or my to-do list is overwhelming. You might only interact with someone for a minute, but that minute could be exactly what they need.
situations when we can’t help a client directly. It happens, and sometimes the issue they’re facing is outside our scope. But that doesn’t mean we just shrug and hang up. Instead, we try to guide them to someone who can help. We’re not doing it because we have to. Instead, we do it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s about doing a solid for someone, even if there’s nothing in it for us. Courtesy is showing people they matter beyond a transaction. And honestly, those are often the moments that stay with people the most. They might not remember every detail of a service call or email exchange, but they’ll remember we treated them with dignity and kindness, even when we didn’t have to. So, this month, I’m making it a point to look for more of those small moments: to offer a kind word, hold the door, or just listen a little longer. And if that inspires someone else to pass it on, I think that’s even better! Because the
Have you ever had someone unexpectedly hold the door open for you or offer a sincere compliment at just the right moment? It’s a small gesture, but it can completely shift the tone of your day. That’s the power of courtesy. In this line of work, I see every day just how far a little kindness can go. In honor of National Courtesy Month, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply courtesy is embedded in what we do and why it matters so much. You might think of courtesy as just saying “please” or “thank you,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s about treating people like they matter, whether they’re a longtime client or a stranger you’ll never see again.
truth is that courtesy is contagious, and the world could always use a little more of it. –Elliott Harry
Our work revolves around people. Our job is to help others and offer a service.
One of the best examples of courtesy in our line of work is how we handle
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Don’t Neglect the Property Tax Consequences
Did You Know? Did you know that small acts of kindness, like smiling at a stranger, holding the door open, or offering a compliment, can actually boost your own happiness? Research shows that being kind releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which reduce stress and lower blood pressure. And it’s not just a personal perk: Kindness is contagious. When people witness or receive a kind act, they’re more likely to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of positivity. Courteous behavior, like saying “please” and “thank you,” may seem simple, but it builds trust and connection in both personal and professional relationships. In fact, studies have found that teams who treat each other with respect perform better, feel more engaged, and experience less burnout. Kindness is free. It costs nothing to listen, show appreciation, or offer encouragement, but the impact can be life-changing.
Change in Real Estate Ownership Can Trigger Reassessment
If you own a business or real estate in California, a change in ownership, especially over 50%, can trigger a property tax reassessment at the current market value. That can mean a surprising tax hike. Understanding when reassessment applies can help you avoid unexpected costs and better protect your investment.
WHAT ENTITIES QUALIFY? California’s property tax rules apply to entities like
partnerships, LLCs, corporations, trusts, and estates that own real estate. If more than 50% of original ownership interests change — whether by sale or inheritance — the property may be fully reassessed. The Board of Equalization tracks these changes through the Legal Entity Ownership Program (LEOP) to ensure compliance. ARE THERE EXEMPTIONS? Some ownership transfers are exempt from property tax reassessment, like those between spouses, in divorce, or changes that don’t alter ownership percentages. Other exemptions may apply for certain trusts, co-owner exchanges, or joint tenancy setups. Because the rules are complex, it’s best to consult an attorney to see if your transfer qualifies. REASSESSMENT OFTEN MEANS INCREASED TAXES FOR NEW OWNERSHIP. When property is reassessed, its taxable value updates to current market rates, often leading to higher taxes. If your transaction triggers reassessment, plan for the increase. While it’s not always avoidable, understanding the process can help you make smarter decisions and possibly reduce the impact. ADDRESSING THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ELEMENTS OF A CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Dealing with ownership changes and the tax consequences requires careful legal and financial planning. Thinking ahead about reassessment can help you avoid surprises and protect what you’ve built. Bringing these rules into your overall business and estate plans gives you more control over the outcome. Our team at Dahl Law Group in Sacramento and San Diego provides personalized legal support to help you manage ownership changes and minimize their impact on your property and business goals. If you’re preparing for a change in ownership and need assistance with the legal details or help in determining the best tax strategy moving forward, contact our firm to book a consultation.
Do you have a friend who needs our help? When you’re done reading, give them this newsletter and recommend they scan our QR code. We can help them solve their tax, business, or estate planning problems before things get worse.
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Price Allocation When Acquiring a Small Business Can Be Big Deal Lowering Your Tax Burden
Buying or selling a business isn’t just about the sale price — it’s about how that price is divided. This process, called purchase price allocation, can significantly impact taxes for the buyer and seller. For sellers, it can mean capital gains versus ordinary income. For buyers, it affects future deductions. Most small-business sales (especially S Corps) are asset sales, so this step is crucial. Handled well, it protects both sides. Handled poorly, it can be costly. DETERMINING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF ACQUIRED BUSINESS ASSETS. In an asset sale, you’re not selling one item — you’re transferring a mix of assets like equipment, inventory, goodwill, and more. Each must be valued as if sold in a fair, independent deal. Cash and inventory values are usually easy to pull from your books, but machinery or IP may differ from what’s listed. Appraisers aren’t required, but can help establish defensible values.
These numbers go on IRS Form 8594, filed by both parties; getting them right upfront can prevent issues later. WHERE ONE PARTY GAINS, THE OTHER OFFSETS. Buyers and sellers often have competing goals in purchase price allocation. Sellers prefer more value on items taxed at capital gains rates, like goodwill, while buyers want faster deductions by allocating more to depreciable assets like equipment. Every dollar shifted benefits one side at the other’s expense, so it’s a strategic negotiation — not hostile, but important. Most deals now include an agreed allocation before closing, making early legal guidance key to ensure both sides align and avoid IRS issues. ACCOUNT FOR DEPRECIATION RECAPTURE IN THE ALLOCATION. Depreciation recapture is one of those tax issues often more nuanced and
complex than business owners are prepared for. It comes into play when a seller has used depreciation to reduce their taxable income over the years through a depreciation deduction. That’s not a problem by itself. The issue shows up if the asset’s fair market value at the time of sale is a lot higher than what’s left on the books. MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES IN ALLOCATING NEWLY ACQUIRED BUSINESS INTERESTS. How you allocate the purchase price in a business sale can have lasting tax and financial impacts. Missteps here may lead to unexpected taxes or missed deductions. Dahl Law Group helps California business owners structure deals to protect their investment and future income. Contact our Sacramento or San Diego offices for guidance tailored to your transaction.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Ingredients Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
SUDOKU
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE What’s
2. 1. Why I’m Choosing Kindness — Even When I’m Busy The Power of Kindness Goes Deeper Than You Think Don’t Let Ownership Changes Derail Your Tax Strategy Buying or Selling a Business? Don’t
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Overlook This Critical Step Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak 5 Stunning Fall Hikes to Take This Season
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The Ultimate Fall Hiking Bucket List Leaf Lovers Welcome GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to-late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast.
There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. ASPEN, COLORADO Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves, hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination!
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